Bhubaneswar, June 14 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday extended heartfelt greetings to the nation, especially to the people of Odisha, on the first day of the three-day Raja Festival, one of the prominent agrarian festivals in the state, wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity for all.

Taking to her X handle, President Murmu said, “On the occasion of the ‘Gana Parba ‘Raja, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the countrymen, especially the people of Odisha. The festival, which marks the arrival of the monsoon season, is celebrated to honor the earth, the mother, and the clouds.”

She further added that amid the festivities featuring pitha (traditional Odia cakes), betel leaves, and swing games, the Raja festival conveys the message of living in harmony with Mother Nature to the people.

“I hope that this special essence of the Raja festival will inspire us to dedicate ourselves to nation-building. On this occasion, I wish for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the people of the state as well as the country,” she added.

Additionally, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi have also conveyed greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of the Raja festival.

“The agrarian festival of Raja is a grand celebration of Odisha’s culture, nature, progress, and tradition. The message of environmental protection is deeply embedded in this festival. On the joyous occasion of the Raja festival, I extend my best wishes and congratulations to the brothers and sisters of Odisha,” said Governor Kambhampati.

Wishing the people of Odisha on the occasion, CM Majhi called the Raja festival a living tradition of Odia cultural identity and the celebration of confluence of unique confluence of Mother Earth and feminine power.

The Chief Minister stated that Raja Festival is not merely the welcoming of a changing seasonal cycle, but the profound cultural ethos of Odisha’s eternal consciousness.

He further added that according to the cultural beliefs, Mother Earth herself undergoes menstruation and takes a rest during these three days. In reverence to this creative period of rest in nature, our farmers suspend agricultural activities and express their gratitude to Mother Earth.

Similarly, in every Odia household, daughters, mothers, and sisters are relieved of their daily responsibilities, and the festival is celebrated in a grand manner, honouring their dignity, freedom, and happiness.

“May the lofty rhythmic swings of Raja propel our journey of development with greater momentum. May the sweet aroma of Poda Pitha strengthen our social harmony and familial bonds, and may the sweetness of Raja Paan (betel leaves) fill the hearts of every Odia with renewed hope, fresh enthusiasm, and the joy of new aspirations and resolve. Let us seek the blessings of Mother Earth and renew our collective commitment to building a prosperous, self-reliant, empowered, and developed Odisha,” wished Majhi.

–IANS

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